Wetland birding habitat

Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)

New Jersey · Northeast

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) is a productive birding destination in New Jersey, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and American Herring Gull among many others. Spring and fall migration bring waves of warblers and shorebirds through the area.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

7/22/2026Freshkills Park--North Park (Phase l)1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/21/2026Irwin Park

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

7/21/2026Linden Hawk Rise Sanctuary1 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

7/20/2026Lemon Creek Park1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

7/19/2026Raritan Center (Restricted Access)1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/19/2026Great Kills Park--Mudflats1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

7/18/2026New Jersey Turnpike S, Edison US-NJ (40.4898,-74.3947)1 observed

Northern Harrier

Circus hudsonius

7/18/2026600 Somerset Corporate Blvd, Bridgewater US-NJ 40.58816, -74.623521 observed

Common Loon

Gavia immer

7/15/2026Lagoon1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/15/2026Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach--Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier8 observed

Eastern Meadowlark

Sturnella magna

7/14/2026Heavenly Farms

Wilson's Storm-Petrel

Oceanites oceanicus

7/14/2026Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach--Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/14/2026Marciante-Jackson-Millet Park2 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/13/2026Manville1 observed

Grasshopper Sparrow

Ammodramus savannarum

7/12/2026Cranbury--Liberty Way & Half Acre Rd. Area2 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

7/12/2026River Rd. marshes and RR tracks1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

37/20/2026

Mallard

107/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

117/20/2026

Mourning Dove

77/20/2026

Killdeer

17/20/2026

Semipalmated Plover

27/20/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

57/20/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/20/2026

Least Sandpiper

27/20/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

257/20/2026

Laughing Gull

2007/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

37/20/2026

American Herring Gull

1007/20/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

27/20/2026

Black Skimmer

17/20/2026

Least Tern

17/20/2026

Forster's Tern

27/20/2026

Common Tern

17/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

77/20/2026

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

17/20/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Visit during mid-May for peak warbler migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) for birding?
The best months to visit Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)?
Notable species at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, American Herring Gull, Downy Woodpecker, Blue Jay. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)?
Birding at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal)?
Sayreville Marsh (Washington Canal) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.